An international summit running until November 20 brings together delegations from around the world, with Türkiye dedicating sessions to reducing tourism-related emissions, protecting cultural heritage and developing climate-resilient destinations.
Antalya – Türkiye – Al Rehla
The 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) opened in the Turkish city of Antalya on November 9, 2026, with broad international participation. The event strengthens the Mediterranean city's position on the global meetings and exhibitions tourism map, while giving sustainable tourism a place in discussions on global climate action.
The conference runs until November 20 at Antalya Expo Center. Türkiye is hosting and presiding over the session for the first time, while Australia is leading the formal negotiations under a cooperation arrangement between the two countries.
The programme features 12 thematic days addressing food and agriculture, energy, transport, climate finance, sustainable cities, artificial intelligence and ecosystem protection, with the aim of translating international commitments into actionable initiatives.
Leaders' Summit and Antalya's Role in Tourism
On November 11 and 12, Antalya will host the World Leaders' Climate Action Summit, bringing together heads of state and government to discuss accelerating the energy transition, strengthening climate investment and enhancing the capacity to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Hosting the conference offers Türkiye an opportunity to showcase its ability to organise major international events and make use of Antalya's extensive hotel and tourism infrastructure. The city is one of the Mediterranean's leading destinations.
Sustainable Tourism at the Heart of Discussions
Türkiye has designated November 18 for discussions on the role of tourism and cultural heritage in climate action, in coordination between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA).
The programme includes a session entitled «Climate Solutions in Tourism: Low-Carbon, Zero-Waste and Resilient Destinations», which will explore ways to reduce the environmental impact of tourism activities and strengthen destinations' ability to withstand climate-related challenges.
The session is expected to feature Turkish Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Nadir Alparslan and United Nations Tourism Executive Director Shigong Liu.
Türkiye will also present its national environmental and cultural sustainability programme, developed in cooperation with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), alongside sessions addressing sustainable tourism investment, heritage protection and culinary arts.
This participation reflects a growing shift towards linking the future of the tourism industry with environmental sustainability, at a time when coastal and natural destinations are facing increasing pressures from climate change. Developing more resilient and efficient tourism models is therefore becoming one of the sector's key challenges in the years ahead.
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